Method and apparatus for counterfeiting protection

Abstract

The disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for protecting against counterfeit products and for methods and apparatus for providing counterfeiting protection for an object. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (a) accessing an object including an identifying mark having a first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion includes an encrypted feature; (b) reading the first portion to thereby obtain a first set of information; (c) transmitting the first set of information to a remote location; (d) receiving from the remote location a second set of information; and (e) reading the second portion using the second set of information to thereby determine the authenticity of the object.

Description

PRIORITY INFORMATION[0001]The instant disclosure claims the filing-date benefit of Provisional Application No. 60 / 754,324 filed Dec. 29, 2005 (entitled “System and method for anti-counterfeiting using chemical imaging”), Provisional Application No. 60 / 777,852, filed Mar. 1, 2006 (entitled: “Anti-counterfeiting business model”), and Provisional Application No. 60 / 784,042 filed Mar. 20, 2006 (entitled: “Two- and Three-Dimensional Bar Codes with Invisible Encryptions”). The disclosure of each of these applications is incorporated herein in its entirety.CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0002]Cross-reference is made to the following related U.S. application Ser. Nos. 11 / 641,666; 11 / 641,671; 11 / 641,669; and 11 / 641,667 all filed concurrently herewith and entitled “Method and Apparatus for Counterfeiting Protection” and which are also Incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND[0003]Counterfeiting is on the rise. The accessibility of production markets with little o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent text describes a method for providing counterfeiting protection for an object by affixing an identifying mark with an encrypted feature. The method involves reading the identifying mark to obtain a set of information, transmitting the information to a remote location, and receiving a second set of information from the remote location. The second set of information is used to determine the authenticity of the object. The method can also involve using an identifying mark with a first portion and a second portion, where the second portion includes the encrypted feature. The patent also describes an improved method for providing counterfeiting protection by accessing the remote location during manufacture of the object to receive data pertaining to the encrypted feature. The technical effects of the patent text include increased security against counterfeiting and improved authenticity verification of objects."

Problems solved by technology

While all counterfeit products adversely effect the bona fide manufacturers' profitability, certain counterfeit goods can have an adverse, if not fatal, effect on the consumer's health.

For example, a counterfeit medicinal product can have a fatal effect on a patient's health if it includes inappropriate dosage of the active ingredient.

While this type of counterfeiting is a problem, what is much more troubling is the fact that counterfeiters are now infiltrating the supply chain that exists between the manufacturer and the distribution point to the consumer, such as a neighborhood pharmacy.

Consequently, unsuspecting and unwitting doctors, pharmacists, and consumers who think that they are prescribing, distributing, and consuming authentic products are actually being duped into dealing with counterfeit products.

This method of counterfeiting is especially insidious and dangerous and has the potential to ruin the trust doctors, pharmacists, and consumers have in the products that are being prescribed let alone the harm caused to the consumer by consuming products that are potentially harmful.

Furthermore, counterfeiting by placing fraudulent products that are seemingly real into the supply chain for authentic products is in no way limited to drugs and medical products.

Thus, the potential for harm due to supply chain counterfeiting is enormous.

These distribution channels have a responsibility to provide authentic products and would face substantial liabilities should they dispense a counterfeit product.

Images